The Neurodivergent Experience

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience we discuss our Autism and ADHD based on the diagnostic criteria. We discuss our experiences with routine, craving novelty, and the dopamine fixation we both share. We touch on the challenges of seeming blunt, rude, or not interested in others without meaning to, the ability to listen, carry out instructions, and stay focused and the importance of being honest and upfront about one's interests. TakeawaysAutism and ADHD are neurodivergent conditions that can coexist in individuals.Understanding and accepting neurodiversity is crucial for creating an inclusive society.People with autism and ADHD may have different experiences and challenges in social interactions and making friends.The diagnostic criteria for autism and ADHD are based on behaviours and can vary from person to person.Sensitivities and disabilities are part of the neurodivergent experience and should be understood and embraced.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

This episode dedicated to Steve Silberman, the legendary writer, advocate for the neurodivergent community and friend of the show who recently passed away, aged 66.In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience, we discuss living with sensory issues. We share our personal experiences of hypersensitivity to certain sounds and the challenges of misophonia, the difficulty of asking for accommodations, our experiences with dogs and the need for personal space, as well as the importance of understanding and respecting others' boundaries. We also touch on the topic of children and the difficulties of parenting while managing sensory triggers.TakeawaysSensory issues can have a significant impact on the lives of neurodivergent individualsMisophonia, a condition characterized by a strong aversion to certain sounds, can be particularly challengingAccommodations and understanding are crucial in supporting individuals with sensory issues and should be a two-way street, considering the needs of both the individual and those around them.Engaging in thoughtful and respectful discussions about accommodations can lead to better understanding and empathy.Social media can be a platform for both positive and negative interactions, and it's important to consider the impact of our words before posting.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode, we discuss our experiences living with alexithymia and dyspraxia. We talk about the challenges of expressing emotions due to alexithymia and how it affects our ability to communicate how we are feeling and what accommodations we need to feel comfortable. Plus we discuss our Dyspraxia and how it can affect coordination and communication, can lead to challenges in everyday tasks and leaves you with random bruises!TakeawaysAlexithymia can make it challenging to communicate and be sincere in personal interactions.The experiences of neurodivergent individuals can vary, and it's important to respect and understand these differences.Alexithymia and dyspraxia are lifelong conditions that can be managed but need to be recognised by everyone as disabilities.Having a diagnosis can provide solace and understanding, and it's important to recognize and accept one's neurodivergent traits.Spelling can be challenging for individuals with dyslexia, and it's important to focus on understanding the message rather than nit-picking spelling errors.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode, we are in the same room for the very first time on this podcast, so we're bringing you a preview of our live show in Cardiff! Many Neurodivergent people struggle with impulse control and addiction, something we have both struggled with throughout our journeys. We share our personal experiences with addiction to phones and social media, food, video games, plus we talk the need for balance and self-awareness when it comes to addictive behaviours and the dangers of Neurodivergent people chasing the buzz of a dopamine high through narcotics.TakeawaysThe need for dopamine and the desire for instant gratification can contribute to addictive behaviours.Co-dependency in relationships can be both healthy and unhealthy, depending on the individuals involved.Finding a balance and practicing self-awareness are important in managing addictive behaviours.It's important to be aware of one's own addictive tendencies and seek help if needed.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience podcast, Jordan flies solo as he is joined by Nadine Honeybone and Raj Chand to discuss the importance of autism-led charities and their upcoming live event, Autistic Minds Cardiff. Nadine shares her motivation for creating the charity, her personal experiences as a parent of a nonverbal autistic child and the challenges she faced in raising her son Thomas. Raj Chand, who is an Autistic Business owner, talks about the need for neurodivergent voices to be heard and respected, the necessity for autistic charities run by autistic people and the importance of creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for neurodivergent individuals to thrive in a neurotypical world.TakeawaysAutistic Minds UK is an autism-led charity that provides resources and support for the autistic community.Employment opportunities for neurodivergent individuals are crucial for promoting inclusion and allowing them to lead fulfilling lives. Neurodivergent voices should be heard and respected, and their experiences should inform decision-making processes.Support, resources, and inspiration are crucial for the neurodivergent community to navigate and succeed in society.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode, we are joined by Matt Jolly, the Operations Director at RTN Diagnostics, to discuss the topic of getting diagnosed and whether going private is worth it. We share our personal experiences with the diagnostic process and highlight the challenges we faced within the NHS system in the UK and why we had to go private. Matt shares his personal journey of getting his family diagnosed, the positive effects it had on his family and why he now works in the business of diagnosis with RTN diagnostics. We talk the importance of early intervention and the positive impact that a diagnosis can have on individuals and their families and the right to choose, which allows individuals to choose alternative providers for assessments if the NHS waiting times are too long.TakeawaysGetting a diagnosis can provide a sense of peace and understanding about oneself and can help individuals and their families navigate challenges more effectively.Private assessments can offer faster and more comprehensive evaluations compared to the NHS, but cost can be a barrier for some individuals.The current NHS system often falls short in providing timely and adequate support for neurodivergent individuals and their families.Improving training and awareness about neurodiversity among healthcare professionals and educators is crucial to ensure better support for neurodivergent individuals. RTN provides aftercare and support to individuals after the assessment process, going beyond the diagnostic criteria.The right to choose allows individuals to choose alternative providers for assessments if the NHS waiting times are too long.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode, we discuss the challenges of changing schools for neurodivergent individuals. . We start by reading an email from a listener who is a parent who is struggling to find a school that understands and supports their neurodivergent child. We share our personal experiences of moving schools and the difficulties we faced, including bullying, the need to mask their true selves and the frustration with the lack of training and understanding among teachers and school administrators. The conversation explores the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in the education system and the need for better support and understanding, the importance of teachers who go the extra mile and the need for schools to be more inclusive and accommodating and the decision of home schooling, and the pros and cons associated with it.TakeawaysChanging schools can be a challenging experience for neurodivergent individuals, often leading to feelings of isolation and the need to mask their true selves.Many neurodivergent students face bullying and mistreatment in schools, which can have long-lasting effects on their mental health and well-being.The education system often lacks proper training and understanding of neurodivergent needs, leading to a lack of support and inclusion for these students.Parents of neurodivergent children often struggle to find schools that are willing to listen and accommodate their child's unique needs.Home schooling can be a viable option for some neurodivergent individuals, but it comes with its own challenges and considerations.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode, we discuss living with pathological demand avoidance (PDA), a condition that is not officially recognized by most authorities. We share personal experiences and examples of how demand avoidance affects our daily lives, including struggles with completing tasks, seeking medical help, and pursuing hobbies. We reflect on the impact of demand avoidance on mental health and relationships, the lack of recognition and understanding of the condition, and how it can both help and hinder us in different aspects of our lives.TakeawaysLiving with demand avoidance can have a significant impact on various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and personal well-being.Demand avoidance is not laziness or procrastination due to anxiety, but a genuine struggle to overcome barriers in the mind.The lack of official recognition and understanding of demand avoidance can lead to frustration and a lack of support from others.It is important to listen to and validate the experiences of individuals with demand avoidance, as their struggles are real and valid. Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges in receiving support and understanding for their mental health needs.The lack of recognition and misdiagnosis of neurodivergent conditions can have a negative impact on individuals' well-being.Our first live show at Autistic Minds Live 2024 Cardiff is fast approaching! It is the Premier FREE to attend event for and by the autistic community. To book your FREE tickets, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/.../autistic-minds-live...Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience

In this episode of the Neurodivergent Experience Podcast, we talk about how we switch their brains off when it all gets a bit too much! We talk about the importance of music in our lives and our love for video games, TV shows, movies, and how they use them as a form of escapism and to switch off their brains. We talk using music and soundproof headphones to balance our moods, stimulate our minds, and find peace. We talk about the role of video games in providing escapism and allowing us to immerse ourselves in different worlds as tools for relaxation and self-expression. Plus we talk the importance of not judging others' interests and finding joy in familiar, the benefits of online gaming for socializing and the challenges of balancing screen time. TakeawaysEngaging in activities that stimulate the mind, such as listening to music or playing video games, can help switch off the brain and provide a sense of relaxation.Finding moments of happiness and appreciating them can be challenging for neurodivergent individuals, but music and gaming can help create those moments. Online gaming can be a valuable form of socializing, especially for neurodivergent individuals.Balancing screen time and understanding its impact is crucial, especially for Neurodivergent children.Get an Autism and ADHD assessment in the UK with https://www.rtnmentalhealthsolutions.com/ Use the Discount Code RTN23 when you make your initial enquiry through the RTN website or the website portal.Instagram: @theneurodivergentexperiencepodFacebook: The Neurodivergent ExperienceYouTube: @TheNeurodivergentExperience